Francisco Javier de Balmis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco Javier de Balmis
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| Born | 2 December 1753 Alicante |
| Died | 12 February 1819 (aged 65) Madrid |
Francisco Javier de Balmis (born December 2, 1753 – died February 12, 1819) was an important Spanish doctor. He is famous for leading an expedition in 1803 to Spanish America and the Philippines. The goal was to give people a vaccine against a terrible disease called smallpox.
His journey is known as the first international vaccination campaign ever. It is considered one of the most important events in medical history. This amazing effort later inspired other big health programs. For example, Carlos Canseco started the PolioPlus program to get rid of polio around the world.
Contents
Life and Work
Early Life and Medical Training
Francisco Javier de Balmis was born in Alicante, Spain, on December 2, 1753. His father was a barber-surgeon, a type of doctor who also cut hair. Following his family's path, Francisco began studying medicine at a military hospital in Alicante when he was 17. He studied there for five years.
In 1775, he joined the Spanish Navy. He was part of a trip to stop pirates from attacking the Spanish coast. Two years later, he passed his exams and was allowed to perform surgery in Valencia.
Journey to America
Balmis became a military surgeon. In 1781, he traveled to America as part of a military group. He worked in hospitals in places like Havana and Veracruz. By 1786, he became the main surgeon at the military hospital of San Juan de Dios in Mexico City. This was the capital of New Spain at the time.
His hard work was recognized. He became a member of the Royal Medical Academy in Spain. He also earned a special degree from the University of Mexico. Balmis passed away in Madrid in 1819.
Studying Plants and Medicines
In 1788, Balmis took a break from the army. He traveled all over Mexico to study local plants. He was interested in the traditional medicines used by native people. He did many experiments at the San Juan de Dios hospital.
In 1794, he published a book called Treatise on the Benefits of Agave and Begonia. This book shared what he learned about these plants.
The Smallpox Expedition
After returning to Spain, Balmis became the doctor for King Charles IV. He convinced the king to send a special trip to America. The goal was to spread the new smallpox vaccine. Smallpox was a very dangerous disease that caused many deaths.
Balmis was chosen to lead this important expedition. They sailed from Spain in 1804. The journey took them to many places, including Puerto Rico, Caracas, Havana, and Mexico City. The vaccine was carried as far north as Texas and as far south as New Granada.
In Mexico City, Balmis had to convince the viceroy, José de Iturrigaray, that the vaccine was safe. He succeeded, and the viceroy even had his own son vaccinated.
In 1806, Balmis sailed from Acapulco to Manila in the Philippines. He arrived back in Spain later that year. He returned to Mexico again in 1810.
Balmis also wrote a book called Instructions for the Introduction and Conservation of the Vaccine. He also translated another important book about vaccines from French into Spanish. After Balmis, other people like Miguel Muñoz continued to keep and spread the vaccine in Mexico for many years.
Gallery
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This drawing shows a begonia plant with its flowers, seed pods, and leaves. It was published in Balmis's book in 1794.
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This drawing shows an agave americana or maguey cactus. It includes details of its flower, root, and other parts. This was also published in his 1794 book.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Javier Balmis para niños
